Residential & Commercial Remodeling Since 1985

There are a couple small things that make a big difference when selecting your floor tile and determining the orientation.

The size of your tiles should be proportionate to the size of your bathroom. Most big box home improvement stores have a good variety of stock tile to choose from. But, they also limit the size options. This becomes problematic when they only offer 18″-24″ tiles and you have a small to medium-sized bathroom. Large tiles in a small bathroom won’t work because you don’t have enough room to create a discernible pattern. It’s really unappealing and can make the bathroom feel even smaller. If you can’t find 12″ or 8″ tiles at your usual home improvement store, try a specialty store that can order almost any tile you want in any size. The exception: if you have a large bathroom and plenty of room to show off 18″ tiles, go for it. Large tiles in a large bathroom can make a grand impression.

Large tiles in a small bathroom can make the room feel even smaller

Choose an orientation that gives the bathroom more character. Laying your floor tiles in a checkerboard orientation square to the walls is certainly the easy route because it requires relatively little detail work, but this shortcut will leave your bathroom looking plain. Want proof? Look at any public restroom and you’ll see the tile pattern that requires the least amount of handiwork. Two better options that create a more visually appealing aesthetic: turn the tiles exactly 45 degrees so they are diagonal, or offset the tiles in a brick pattern. This last tip is especially important for rectangular tiles.

We recently worked with a couple in the San Diego State area who needed to update their bathroom… desperately. The arrangement of the vanity, toilet and shower couldn’t change because of the small square footage and location of key pipelines. But, you’ll surely agree everything inside had to go.

BEFORE

Work done:

Demoed and removed all components, tile, door, and finishings

Knocked out an unneeded arch over the shower that closed it in and made it feel dark

Replaced the hardie backer for a new, moisture resistant backing on the floors and inside the shower

Installed new recessed lighting

Tiled the floor and shower (adding a much-needed shampoo shelf)

Replaced and patched drywall

Resurfaced the walls

Painted

Installed the vanity and toilet

Hung a new door

Attached all finishes

AFTER

All of their selections, including the tile and vanity, were in-stock at Home Depot making this a quick project.

They are very happy with the result and they know it will be a valuable selling point when they decide to put their house on the market.